358 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



tainly cripple the growth of the plants and check the proper de- 

 velopment of the fruit. 



It is to be remembered that tomato plants are gross feeders, and 

 that in order to ensure a satisfactory crop of fruit their roots 

 require to be constantly nourished. This, because of the plant's 

 stem-rooting habits, is best done, as has already been explained, 

 by means of surface mulchings and top-dressings. It is a mistake, 

 frequently made, to start feeding the plants with manure too 

 early. The best time to begin is when the second bunch of fruit 

 has become well set, and those on the first set are as large as 

 pigeons' eggs. 



Afterwards the regular application of manure, hi liquid form if 

 possible, may follow. It should be given at first in weak doses, 

 once or twice a week, the strength of the doses being slightly, and 

 only slightly, increased, as the fruit nears maturity. Any of the 

 artificially prepared manures, such as Clay's, or Thompson's, or 

 the special preparations of guano and superphosphates, may be 

 used with confidence, provided they be not applied n excessive 

 proportions. These can be used in their dry, powdered state, but 

 they must not be applied when the soil is dry. Give a good water- 

 ing first and then spread the manure over the surface of the soil, 

 taking care not to exceed the quantities recommended by the 

 makers. Other excellent stimulants for surface-feeding are soot 

 and bone meal. These should be mixed in small quantities with 

 the soil, and pressed firmly round the stem of the plant. 



Plenty of air must be afforded the plants when grown under 

 glass ; the tomato is impatient of too close and sluggish an atmo- 

 sphere. During the early stages of its growth a temperature of 

 from 60 to 65 will be ample The aim should be to avoid 

 extremes of heat and cold, and this can be managed if attention 

 be paid to ventilation and the stoking of the greenhouse fire. 

 Later in the season, when the sun gains power, fluctuations of tem- 

 perature cannot so easily be guarded against, but there will be 

 nothing to fear if the house be thoroughly well ventilated 



Tomatoes revel in plenty of moisture at the roots. Watering 

 must, therefore, never be neglected, but care must be taken not to 



